Cannes Director Koji Fukada Warns AI Undermines Art’s Creative Process

Context Koji Fukada, a Japanese filmmaker known for works such as Harmonium and Love on Trial, presented his latest drama Nagi Notes at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. The story follows a Tokyo architect who travels to a rural village to sculpt a figure for a friend, while two local boys develop a bond supported by the women in the tale. Fukada has previously screened films in Cannes’ official selection and Un Certain Regard sections, establishing him as a regular presence at the festival. Through the act of sculpting and the evolving bond between the two boys, the film examines how creative work can foster empathy and challenge conventional views on relationships.

Key Facts Fukada said that employing AI to 'jump straight to the result' undermines art’s purpose, which he believes should arise from self‑expression and a deeper understanding of the world. He added that AI‑generated art bypasses the creative journey, causing creators to lose sight of the process through which people explore and understand their surroundings. Nagi Notes is among the 22 films competing for the Palme d’Or, the festival’s top prize scheduled for announcement on May 23. His earlier works have appeared at Cannes, with Love on Trial shown in the Premiere sidebar in 2025 and Harmonium winning the Jury Prize in Un Certain Regard in 2016.

What It Means The director’s remarks highlight a growing tension between technological shortcuts and traditional artistic practice within the film industry. By emphasizing the value of the making process, Fukada joins other creators who caution that AI tools may diminish opportunities for personal reflection and skill development. His stance could influence discussions at Cannes about how emerging technologies are integrated into storytelling and production workflows. Meanwhile, studios and festivals are grappling with guidelines on AI use, seeking to balance innovation with the preservation of artistic integrity.

Watch for the Palme d’Or announcement on May 23 and any further comments from Fukada on AI’s role in filmmaking.